Best Days Out in Perthshire for Families

This week marks a year to go until the biggest team event in women’s professional golf graces Perthshire, namely the 2019 Solheim Cup.

Having staged a magnificent Ryder Cup in 2014, Gleneagles will again take centre stage as the cream of talent from Europe and America draw battle lines, with the home side skippered by Scotland’s very own Catriona Matthew.

The week offers a fabulous opportunity for golf fans to enjoy a world-class event, with special family ticket packages available for the match, from 11 to 15 September next year.

Indeed, the ambition is to create the most family orientated Solheim Cup experience to date, which links with Golf Perthshire’s very own Family Golf initiative, providing a unique offering of free golf for under 18s with a paying adult.

However, Perthshire offers far more than golf and with the spotlight again on the region this week as the Solheim Cup countdown continues, we select 12 best days out in Perthshire for families. The list is endless, so here are some of our favourites (in no particular order) – especially with those October school holidays coming round!

Scone Palace, Scone. The crowning place of Scottish kings and the traditional home of the Stone of Scone. Open daily until October, November – March winter hours.

The Black Watch Castle and Museum, Perth. Visit the ancestral home of The Black Watch. Relax in the award winning café and browse the popular Castle gift shop. Open seven days.

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre, Comrie. Set in 100 acres of beautiful Perthshire, Auchingarrich offers a varied selection of animals, a hatchery, indoor and outdoor play areas, soft play barn, family fishery and coffee shop.

The Famous Grouse Experience, Crieff. Based at Scotland’s oldest distillery, Glenturret. Enjoy award winning tours, a cafe and shop at a must visit whisky destination. Open seven days.

House of Bruar, Blair Atholl. Near Pitlochry in the heart of the Highland Perthshire, the enticing home of Scottish country clothing, an art gallery, gift centre and restaurant. A relaxing atmosphere to kick back in.

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. Open March to October, this award winning 5* visitor attraction is a Scottish castle set just off the A9 road. Explore the castle and the wonderful gardens, as well as a lovely lunch.

Loch Tay Safaris, Kenmore. The ultimate way to explore Perthshire’s largest loch on a modern, comfortable purpose-built boat. Full of history, nature and heritage. Daily departures until November.

Queen’s View Visitor Centre, near Pitlochry. One of the finest settings in Scotland. Sweeping views, delicious food and enjoy a spot of retail therapy at the heart of Tay Forest Park. Open all year round.

The Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore. Go back in time to the Iron Age by visiting an ancient loch-dwelling on Loch Tay. Guided tours, exhibitions, crafts, costumes and even fire making! Open until the end of October.

Highland Safaris, Aberfeldy. Winner of the 'Best Visitor Experience' in Scotland, go on safari in a Land Rover, sample the Red Deer Centre or even pan for gold! You can eat and shop too.

And don’t forget the golf nearby! You are spoilt for choice in the area and remember the Golf Perthshire Family Golf initiative provides a superb offering of free golf for under 18s, with a paying adult. This is along with the introduction of family tickets throughout Perthshire, and is backed by local golf clubs.

As we say, the list is endless. Perthshire is one of the most popular areas in Scotland for family holidays, where you can soak up the history, enjoy stunning views as you walk or cycle through forests and woodlands or even push yourself to the limit kayaking, white-water rafting or canyoning. And, of course, golf!